Troy Podmilsak Wins Men’s Freeski Big Air at FIS World Cup Season Opener in China
Monster Energy’s Troy Podmilsak starts the 2025/26 season strong with a Big Air victory at Secret Garden, while teammate Luca Harrington claims third.
Starting the season with a win! Monster Energy team rider Troy Podmilsak captured first place in Men’s Freeski Big Air at the FIS World Cup in Secret Garden, China. The 21-year-old from Park City, Utah claimed victory in the first Big Air event of the 2025/26 FIS Freeski Park & Pipe World Cup season.
Podmilsak was joined on the podium by teammate Luca Harrington, 21, from Wānaka, New Zealand, who secured third place.
The season opener at Secret Garden Resort featured over 110 professional skiers from around the world, including X Games winners, Olympic gold medalists, and Crystal Globe champions. Since hosting the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Secret Garden has become a staple venue on the circuit.
In the Men’s Freeski Big Air final, Podmilsak entered as a former Big Air world champion and X Games gold medalist—but his last FIS World Cup podium dated back to 2022. This time, he came ready to make history. On his first run, he landed a flawless switch right triple 1980 safety for 90.25 points, then raised the bar with a right triple 2160 mute grab for 95.25 points, clinching the win with a total score of 185.50 points.
This marks Podmilsak’s first FIS World Cup victory, putting him at the top of the leaderboard and strengthening his bid for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Freeski team ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“It’s kind of crazy thinking about it, my journey. I felt like I started off hot, and then last year was a pretty tough season for me, no podiums,” said Podmilsak. “It feels nice to come out on top, in the first World Cup [of the season].”
Also making waves, Harrington—reigning Crystal Globe champion—thrilled fans with a switch right triple 1800 esco grab for 91.75 points, followed by a right triple 1980 safety grab, finishing third with 176.00 points.
The FIS Freeski World Cup season continues December 4 in Beijing, China, as riders battle for spots at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
